Interview : Venkatesh – 30 years in the industry is only a number to me

Published on Aug 9, 2016 3:30 am IST

Victory Venkatesh has been in the industry for the past three decades. After a brief gap, he is all set to make a comeback with Babu Bangaram. On this occasion we caught up with him for a detailed interview. Lets see what he has to say.

Q)First of all, your Bobbili Raja dialogue “Ayoo Ayayoo” has become quite popular, what do you have to say about it?

(With smiles) I never thought that this dialogue would become quite popular even with this generation. The strange thing is that even kids of this generation who have never heard of Bobbili Raja have connected to the dialogue very well. Apparently, Maruthi is a big fan of Bobbili Raja, and he wanted to make a reference of that dialogue in Babu Bangaram.

Q)How did you guys decide on the title, “Babu Bangaram”?

The title is related to my character in the film. Even though I play a police officer in the movie, I have a soft heart. Hence, Maruthi thought that Babu Bangaram would be an apt title.

Q)Why did you take such a long gap after Gopala Gopala?

I went on a small hiatus since I wanted to find the perfect script that would sync in with today’s generation. I also set everything aside for a while after my dad had passed away.

Q)Why did you choose to make an original script after a string of remakes?

There is no particular reason for my choices. I don’t differ between remakes and original scripts. Maruthi has been waiting for a chance to work with me, and I liked his enthusiasm. After he gave me a sneak peak of Babu Bangaram’s script, I immediately okayed it and told him to complete it as soon as possible.

Q)What happened to the shelved film Radha that you were supposed to do with Maruthi?

I forget about things quickly. After such a long career, I have gotten used to success and failure. After Radha was shelved, Maruthi has been looking for a chance to work with me and that’s when I connected to him instantly. After I heard Babu Bangaram’s character, we forgot about everything else and started concentrating on this flick.

Q)Tell us more about your character in Babu Bangaram.

I am going to be seen as a police officer in Babu Bangaram. Usually, police officer roles will be more of a serious nature, but my role in this film will be different. This movie will showcase a family who has been kind-hearted for generations and how a police officer from such a family reacts to different situations.

Q)You and Nayantara look fresh as an on-screen couple, how is the chemistry between you two?

I think the audience will laugh if I chase heroines even at this age (with laughter). That’s why we have included the satire dialogue “Age ki age.” Our chemistry in the film is good, and it will be on a classy level.

Q)How much do you involve yourself in director’s work?

I never involve myself in director’s work, and I let him do his job. My job ends with acting, and that’s how I like it to be. If I don’t like a dialogue or a scene, I might mention it but I do not take part in the creative aspect.

Q)It’s already been 30 years since you have debuted. How do you feel when you look back at your career?

To me, 30 years is just a number. There is nothing great to say that I have completed 30 years in the industry. Before I started my career, I used to be in confusion state, but after I debuted things have begun to fall into place. In the blink of an eye, I cannot believe I have already completed 30 years. I have to thank my fans and the audience for bringing me to this stage. I have seen many successes and failures, but the important thing is that I have learned a lot of lessons in the process.

Q)There are rumors that you might do a film with Rana, when might this happen?

There are a couple of writers who are working on the script; there is nothing concrete as of now.

Q)What are your future projects?

For now, I will be seen as a boxer in the Telugu remake of Irudhi Suttru. After that, I have a film lined up with director Kishore Tirumala titled, Adavallu Meeku Joharlu.

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